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A+ Childcare and Learning Center, a New Home for Early Childhood Education

Annette Doughty started her day care center six years ago with the help of an SBA loan. She has a bachelor's degree in education, and said she had long wanted to open a quality daycare/learning center.

Doughty's business provides not only daycare but after-school care. Her business is educational based and is a certified Head Start facility. It also is certified for the ChildCare Assistant Program for Union County.

Doughty works in partnership with Columbus State Community College and uses its student teachers as interns. She currently has 80 students and 13 staff members.

Her advice for someone going into business: "Take your time, do research, and find a good lawyer, accountant and banker who are familiar with your line of business."

She said being a business owner affects all aspects of her life. Her husband also works full-time in the business, and while the work has financially improved their lifestyles, it requires a lot of sacrifices. Doughty said she has found success through a strong sense of faith, by the grace of her wonderful family and staff, and through a lot of hard work.

"This article and the accompanying photograph do not constitute or imply an endorsement by SBA of any opinions, products or services of any private individual or entity."